AIKEN, S.C. - EM’s Savannah River Site (SRS) is getting a $7 million dollar radio communications system makeover that improves safety.
Radio handsets and vehicles will be equipped with GPS capabilities, allowing workers to be located quickly in the event of an emergency.
“If we need to find a remote worker who is out in the field for any reason, especially if an injury has occurred, we can get the right people to his or her exact location," said Judson Davis, Site Communications manager with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), the site’s management and operations contractor. “And, in time, our managers will be able to load an app that will allow them to use their cell phones like a handheld radio on- or offsite."
The upgraded system complies with standards intended to improve communications among agencies in emergencies.
“We are also pleased that the radios will be Project 25 compliant," Davis said. “Project 25 was developed after the 9/11 tragedy, creating a platform to improve communications between the various agencies during security- and emergency-related operations."
Requiring two tractor trailers to carry its equipment to SRS, the system is scheduled to be fully operational in October. Employees will be trained for the new system over 50 days, ensuring a smooth transition from the previous operation.
The previous radio trunking system required wiring to connect the radio dispatch consoles to a centralized computer. The new computer-based system will have its own information technology network that can locate users through a computer network connection.
“We had been using an 18-year-old system that we could no longer find parts for and the manufacturer was no longer supporting it," said Davis. “I’m pleased with the reliability and performance of the new products being installed."
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
